Image credit: The Canadian Press

By Michael Reeve

MINTEN RETURNS

Fraser Minten returns to Blazers after a full exposure to NHL life with Leafs

Oct 31, 2023 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — “Further along in my hockey career than I thought I’d be at this point. I’m really happy about how that went,” said Fraser Minten.

It’s a memory now etched into the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect and Kamloops Blazers forward’s mind — stepping out onto the Scotia Bank Centre ice in front of nearly 20,000 fans.

“You reflect on everything you have been through to get to that point. It’s a big goal of yours, just trying to be in the moment and enjoy it all because you only get one of those,” Minten told CFJC Sports. “And no matter how the game goes, you should be nervous for it, it’s something you have wanted your whole life, you’re there for. You just try and go out there and soak it all in and try to have as much fun as you can.”

Minten was the farthest thing possible from a opening day roster lock when camp began, working his way into a third-line centre role.

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“I think it’s good for your self-confidence, belief you have in yourself when you can do something that people don’t expect you to do. Just through earning it yourself with handwork. I think that was a good thing for myself, you get some confidence from that,” said Minten.

What helped Minten stand out was an immediate chemistry with fellow rookie Matthew Knies.

“It’s easy to play with somebody who is near your age, just because you can communicate with them comfortably and get along with them off the ice. And he’s a hell of a player, too, a big body who does everything really well. He made it easy for me out there,” complimented Minten.

Now back with the Kamloops Blazers, Minten will be thrust into a top line role, likely seeing more than 20 minutes per night and playing in all aspects of the game. While it’s not The Show, it’s certainly best for his development.

“You want to play the game. You want to be out there. You want touch the puck. It will be a ton of fun. It will be hard at first. My cardio will have to catch up a bit but I’m really looking forward to that,” added Minten.

The veteran forward noted his coaches, both with the Leafs and Blazers, have stressed the transition back to junior isn’t always the easiest.

“I think it’s going to be hard. That was kind of the message from the coaching staff there, as well. It’s not going to be easy when you go back. The pace is a lot different. It’s kind of slowed down because of the way the game goes, maybe a little sloppier, the passes aren’t as crisp, everything is just a little different,” stressed Minten.

With more than a point per game last season, the instant offence Minten brings will be massive for a struggling Blazers roster.

“Just be myself, and hopefully I can bring a bit of energy, bring a boost, maybe a little more scoring, some good defensive shifts and help the team get a string of some wins here,” said Minten.

Blazers fans will get a chance to welcome Minten back this Friday (Nov. 3) as Kamloops hosts Red Deer at the Sandman Centre.